Highly adapted desert-dweller. Pale coloration and large hooves are adaptations to hot sandy habitat. Nomadic species, exploiting ephemeral annual pastures and more permanent perennial grazing. Movement out of the desert during periods of drought or during hot season in search of shade and grazing.

Forms small mixed herds of up to a dozen individuals, although larger groupings do occur in areas of favourable grazing or during seasonal movements to new pasture.

Distribution currently restricted to a narrow band of desert between eastern Niger and western Chad. Possible vagrants from Niger to southern Algeria. Situation unknown in former strongholds in Mauritania.

species conservation

species protection

Critically Endangered with probably less than 300 in the wild. Last major population of around 200 in the Tin Toumma desert of eastern Niger. Appendix I species on both CITES and Migratory Species conventions.

species priorities

Secure remaining wild populations in Niger and Chad

Boost scientific management of captive populations in Africa and elsewhere

Reintroduction to suitable secure protected areas in former range states